The 2020 NBA Draft concluded last week with far less movement than originally anticipated. Fans hardly got to process their thoughts about their team’s newest additions when free agency kicked off less than 48 hours later.
Such is life in 2020.
The Cavs were fairly quiet during the draft and the initial start of free agency, but made moves that should energize the fanbase. Cleveland definitely improved their roster, but by how much, and what’s left to do? Here is where things stand for the Cavs after the draft and first wave of free agency.
Isaac Okoro
There was a lot of chatter before the draft about Cleveland’s interest in drafting Obi Toppin fifth overall. However, they chose the defensive stopper, Isaac Okoro instead. The Knicks had interest in moving up to take Toppin at five, and reportedly would’ve given the Cavs the 8th and 23rd pick they acquired from Utah. However, the Cavs decided not to risk missing out on Okoro, while the Knicks ended up taking Toppin.
Many (including yours truly) were surprised to see Okoro selected with both Toppin and Deni Avdija still on the board. But who could blame GM Koby Altman? Cleveland’s only draft pick, Okoro addresses the Cavs’ biggest need: defense. The Wine and Golders finished 22nd in opponent points per game and dead last in defensive rating last season. Okoro has already said he wants to guard the opponent’s best players. At 6’6″ and 225 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to be a premier defender sooner rather than later.
The key to his long-term success is his jumper. He is still a positive contributor on offense as a great cutter and finisher around the basket, but if he can consistently hit open shots, that could be the difference between just a solid player and an all-star. Cavs fans should be incredibly excited about this 19-year-old’s future in Cleveland, especially after his first action in the Cleveland Clinic Courts.
The Cavs also signed undrafted forward Lamar Stevens out of Penn State. The four-year collegiate player signed a two-way deal and will join the Cavs in training camp.
JaVale McGee
The Cavs traded Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell to the Lakers for three-time champion JaVale McGee and a 2026 second-round pick. Bell never appeared in a game for the Cavs, while McKinnie played in 40 games last season. McGee projects as the backup center behind Andre Drummond after Tristan Thompson left to sign with the Celtics. The former Slam Dunk contest participant opted into his $4.2 million player option to stay with the defending champs. Instead, he gets flipped to the rebuilding Cavs to make room for the Lakers to sign Marc Gasol.
Although he was once most well known for his appearances on Shaqtin’ A Fool, McGee has had a long and successful career with six different teams as an effective rim protector and interior defender. A proven big who improves the Cavs’ defense, he meshes with the team’s needs, salary cap situation and culture. It’s no coincidence that title contenders had McGee on their roster in recent years. He has logged 58 playoff games with all-timers like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Anthony Davis. The wealth of knowledge and experience he brings is an extremely valuable asset for the Cavs.
Damyean Dotson
The Knicks drafted Damyean Dotson out of Houston with the 44th overall pick in 2017. He spent three seasons in New York and is a 36.1% career three-point shooter. In the 2018-19 season, he averaged 10.7 points, but saw his role and playing time diminish this past season. The Cavs inked the 26-year-old to a two-year contract worth $4 million to add some backcourt depth.
An effective player without the ball, Dotson will get an opportunity to showcase his catch-and-shoot skills and underrated one-on-one defense. The Knicks seemed largely disinterested in retaining the former second-round pick, which benefits a Cavs roster searching for young quality depth. A player with upside on a relatively small contract is exactly the type of move Altman should be hunting for. While Dotson isn’t a franchise-altering player, he’s certainly worth taking a flyer on.
Matthew Dellavedova
Delly is back baby! The franchise cult hero agreed to a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum to stay in Cleveland. While he likely won’t see much court action, his bench and locker-room presence will be an invaluable resource for the Cavs’ young guards. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows he can lean on the Aussie’s big game experience in case a backcourt injury forces him to play extended minutes. With Thompson gone, the Cavs only have Delly and Kevin Love left from the 2016 championship squad. June 19th, 2016 seems like an eternity ago.
Long term, the Cavs still need answers in the front-court, whether it’s Drummond or someone else. Love is still arguably the Cavs’ best player, but he doesn’t figure to be in the team’s future. He will be traded as soon as Altman gets a deal he likes. A deal this season doesn’t seem likely between Love’s remaining contract and the Cavs’ desire to make the playoffs as soon as possible. Circumstances may change if Cleveland struggles early. If a contender makes a strong offer for either Love or Larry Nance Jr., the Cavs will take it if it improves their long-term viability.
The draft was an important step for Altman to improve the roster, since the Cavs were never destined to be major spenders this offseason. Okoro became the newest piece of the young core and could develop into a franchise building block depending on his jumper. The next step was to acquire quality depth behind their nucleus. McGee and Dotson fill important spots on the floor. Dellavedova helps in the locker room and holds sentimental value. There are more moves to make, but so far Cavs fans should be happy with the team’s offseason.
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